The Most Comfortable Sneakers for Men, Tested by a Podiatrist, Style Editors, and Trainers

Call it a dad shoe if you’d like, but the New Balance 574 is an absolute classic. It combines running shoe bonafides dating back to 1988 with fashion endorsements from some of our favorite menswear brands, like Todd Snyder and J.Crew. Its Encap heel and arch support design is as effective now as it was thirty years ago.

Modern running shoes minimize weight by using modern materials, but the 574 still uses ’80s era elements, which trades off weight for enhanced durability. That makes this a great every day sneaker. It also helps that the 574 looks good with absolutely everything.

Read more: Best New Balance Shoes

Our fitness editors consider Brooks’ Ghost line among the best stability running shoes they’ve tested. Now in its 15th generation, every little detail has been field tested to near perfection. Support, spring, road feel, flex, minimal friction, toe room; it’s all there in spades.

Men’s Health fashion director Ted Stafford is a fan of the Ghost because, “It’s ridiculously lightweight, comfy, and available in roughly three dozen colors for maximum accessorizing,” he said. That styling versatility is something that most other running shoes just can’t compete with.

Hoka has earned its “King of Cushion” street cred thanks to trainers like the Rincon 3, a great daily trainer that’s both lightweight and incredibly responsive. One of our fashion editors say that it feels snappier than the Clifton 9, another Hoka marquee model, for speed runs, but has a great balance of cushioning and ground connection.

Dr. Schaeffer highly recommends the Rincon 3, and says it’s also great for people who stand on their feet all day, as its ample cushioning could provide relief for a range of foot ailments. We also like the low, sleek design for easy styling with everything from jeans to joggers.

Read more: Best Hoka Shoes

“On continues to prove that you get what you pay for,” says Men’s Health fashion director Ted Stafford. “Its premium Cloudboom Echo 3 features high-tech foam to maximize energy return for an ultra-springy step.” Not only does it boost your running, it looks real good doing it.

The Swiss sneaker brand has set the standard for stylish trainers recently and we can assure you that the Cloudboom Echo 3 is worth every penny. Whether you plan on wearing it for running, the gym, or just walking around every day, your feet will thank you for this one.

Our fitness and commerce editor Talene Appleton, NASM-CPT, says this is also the brand’s best lightweight running shoe. “At just 7.65 ounces, it’s remarkably lightweight, thanks in large part to a Carbon Speedboard and other next-gen materials,” she said in her testing. “The extreme rocker shape provides a more powerful return, while the streamlined upper and bolstered forefoot cushioning ensure maximum comfort, even on the longest road runs.”

Read more: Best On Running Shoes

Walking the line between sneaker and oxford shoe like a tightrope artist, the GrandPrø Crew Wingtip is the most comfortable wintip shoe we’ve ever tried. The leather upper has a dress shoe toe, but a sneaker-style padded ankle. Despite having a chunky sole, it is exceptionally lightweight thanks to a proprietary FlowerFlow EVA material made with 24% dandelion.

Our style editors like this as an office shoe because it’s formal enough to meet most dress codes while feeling like some of our favorite walking shoes. The wingtip leather upper and thick sole looks great with dress pants or a full suit. Want something a little more formal? Go with the black-on-black color way.

Read more: Most Comfortable Dress Shoes

Handmade in Italy from premium leather and recycled rubber, Koio uses a level of craftsmanship typically reserved for dress shoes. The Capri is one of the most stylish leather sneakers we’ve tested because it is sleek and simple. Better still, it is exceptionally comfortable thanks to an OrthoLite® Hybrid™ insole.

All white sneakers work well with formalwear, but we’re here to tell you that white sneakers with gum soles work even better. The contrast provides a look closer to a dress shoe while still being crisp and clean. The Capri is probably the best example out there because of how comfortable it is.

Where most sneakers achieve comfort by building layers of support and cushioning, SeaVees gets the job done with a minimalist design. The linen canvas upper is exceptionally light and breathable, practically molding to your foot like a sock. While the a memory foam footbed provides a little bounce with every step. You also get surprisingly good grip from the vulcanized rubber outsole.

Our style editors would single out the Baja Slip On as an essential summer shoe because of the simple, breezy, and classic design. Yet, it works perfectly well year round in most climates. This is just the easiest shoe to wear with comfort that far exceeds expectations.

Read more: Best Slip-on Sneakers

Stafford describes the X Ultra 4 as, “lightweight, agile, and stable meet tough, technical, and tacky (as in “grippy”).” That’s everything you want in a good trail running shoe. Its chassis provides optimal support without limiting range of movement.

When it comes to trail runners, comfort is as much about keeping the elements out as it is about whats inside. Salomon uses a Gore-Tex lining to keep moisture out, which is just as useful for slick city streets or rain-soaked trails.

Read more: Best Salomon Sneakers

Nike Invincible 3

Nike rates the support as High and the cushioning as Super High for the Invincible 3, and you can feel it in every step. “The key is the foam, which is super bouncy and responsive—and the makeover from the first two iterations of the model actually make it look good off the road, too,” Senior Editor Brett Williams said in his testing.

We’re fans of the Invincible 3 from a style standpoint because it comes in 10 different color options, all of which showcase Nike’s signature design. If that isn’t enough, you can also customize your own color combination.

MBT Sport 1

Orthopedic shoes don’t exactly have the most stylish reputation, but MBT is working to change that. The self proclaimed “physiological footwear” brand can stand toe-to-toe with many of the biggest athletic brands in looks. When it comes to comfort, the Sport 1 is an absolute stand out.

Podiatrist Dr. Brad Schaeffer highly recommends MBT. “I personally wear these when walking around, standing, work outs,” he said. “They do it all, in my opinion.” The brand is making some of the most comfortable every-day kicks right now, and should be on your radar.

Asics Jogger X81

Asics does retro running shoes with the best of them. In the case of the Jogger X81, you get a combination of throw back looks with modern comfort. The uppers are fully inspired by the Japanese brand’s golden age of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Which is contrasted by an innovative outsole that provides exceptional spring and cushioning.

This is a flashy every-day sneaker that delivers ample comfort. We wouldn’t run a 5K in them, but they make great casual sneakers. There is a reassuring heft to them that you don’t get with lightweight trainers.

Craft Nordlite Ultra Running Shoe

If you haven’t heard of Craft Sportswear, then you seriously need to try out these sneakers. “Premium enough for elite runners, yet accessible enough for everyday trainers,” says Stafford. “The Nordlite Ultra features a proprietary midsole for maximum comfort and serious rebound.”

A somewhat minimalist color scheme covers a running shoe that is all business. Exclusive designs like the Ultra-Rebound™ insole and Cr Foam™ midsole provide cutting edge return on your energy and foot protection. These are pure performance running shoes

adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoes

Ultraboost is a tried-and-tested line by Adidas with a winning streak of making some of the best running shoes. The newest Ultraboost 23, also known as Ultraboost Light, has received nothing but rave reviews since its release. It’s the lightest, springiest model thus far, yielding high rebound with Light Boost™ cushioning, high all-terrain traction with Continental™ Rubber outsole, and high breathability with a knit upper. Its heel is also built to keep you moving forward and not slow you down, whether you’re walking, jumping, striding, or training.

Read more: Best Adidas Shoes

Veja Rio Branco Sneaker

For a company that prides themselves of sustainability, Vejo sure doesn’t sacrifice any measure of comfort. The Rio Branco is one of the brand’s signature designs, and the Alveo Mesh version is even lighter and more breathable than its previous models. Despite a retro look, this comfy sneaker utilizes modern eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester, rice waste, and sugar cane.

Our style editors appreciate Vejo because of how well made every shoe is. You get a top tier quality for mid-level price, which is always a welcome bargain. Plus, the Rio Branco is versatile enough to wear with practically any outfit.

• Dr. Brad Scheffer, D.P.M., is a board-certified foot surgeon with Central Park Sole in New York City
• Ted Stafford is the fashion director of Men’s Health

Brad Lanphear is a style pro with more than a decade of experience testing and styling men’s shoes, including comfortable sneakers. For this story, he and Deputy Commerce Editor Christian Gollayan tested over 30 comfortable sneakers and evaluated their arch support, insole comfort, and just how great they looked. They also interviewed Dr. Scheffer for his product recommendations, and combed through hundreds of five-star reviews from e-commerce sites they trust, and also scanned through countless Reddit threads like r/malefashionadvice, for unbiased opinions on the most comfortable sneakers to shop now.